Jason Collins photo
Arturo Ortiz reads a short story with his daughter Sarah during a college readiness event at Moreno Middle School. Fathers were being shown just what their youngsters are learning at the school. They were also told what it would take, such as their encouragement, to get their children into higher education.

Fathers gathered Tuesday at Moreno Middle School for the first of three events hosted by FACE GenTX. The idea is to not only let the parents know what is required but to let the children know what it takes to make it to college. Double click on the video for full screen.

Fathers from all walks of life gathered Wednesday morning at Moreno Middle School to see just what it’s like to be a student in today’s world.

First thing on the agenda — they saw a typical exam the students would take during class.

But the lessons that day, as they sat with their children, were about more than just class work and tests.

Yvonne Duge, guest speaker at the event hosted by Fathers Active in Community Education, emphasized their importance in their youngster’s life.

“You don’t know how important you are to your children’s education,” she told the 50 or so fathers gathered in the school’s cafeteria that morning. “The power of a father in their children’s life and eduction is so vast.”

Alphonso Rincon, with Fathers Active in Community Education, said that this was the first of three events at the school.

He said that their goal is to let parents, and especially fathers, know what is expected of students and their role in the success of the youth.

Another part of the exercises that morning was simply getting to know not just their children but others.

Rudy Garcia, one of the fathers there that morning, spoke with Isaiah, who longed to be an artist or a basketball player when he grew up.

“Sometimes life is not very easy. Sometimes you fall down,” Garcia offered as advice to the youngster. “But a champion gets up. Whether it is in school, football or on the job — if you get down, get back up.”

Jason Collins is the editor at the Bee-Picayune and can be reached at 358-2550, ext. 121, or at editor@mySouTex.com.